PONCA - Clutch free throw shooting and strong defense late proved to be the difference as the Ponca girls' basketball team beat Wayne in overtime 54-51.

The Indians fell behind early. Wayne controlled the game early, building a 17-6 lead on the strength of good ball movement and strong shooting.

But Ponca started to chip away at the lead in the second quarter, utilizing a size advantage down low to take control of the game, taking their first lead with 4:27 to go in the 4th quarter.

Wayne's Haley Kramer hit a three just before time expired in the 4th to send the game to the extra session, but Ponca wore the Blue Devils down in overtime to get the win.

Ponca won despite not making a three-point shot.

Wayne was trying to beat the Indians for the first time since 2016.

SCORING SUMMARY

WAYNE (0-2) - 17 10 10  9  5 - 51

PONCA (1-1)  -  8 16  8 14  8 - 54

TEAM STATS

PONCA

FG% - 21/50 (42%)

3P% - 0/7 (0%)

FT% - 12/25 (48%)

WAYNE

FG% - 20/48 (41.7%)

3P% - 8/28 (28.6%)

FT% - 3/10 (30%)

INDIVIDUAL STATS

PONCA

 - Emerson Ehlers: 21 pts, 17 rebs

 - Alix Hughes: 13 pts, 9 rebs

 - Elsie Keller: 7 pts, 3 rebs

 - Lily Korth: 6 pts, 9 rebs

 - Peighton James: 5 pts, 1 reb

 - Jaeden Hughes: 2 pts, 2 rebs

WAYNE

 - Haley Kramer: 15 pts, 6 rebs

 - Frantzdie Barner: 13 pts, 5 rebs

 - Gabbi Judd: 6 pts, 1 reb

 - Addison Sharpe: 6 pts

 - Elle Powicki: 4 pts, 6 rebs

 - Faith Powicki: 3 pts, 2 rebs

 - Taytem Ellis: 2 pts, 6 rebs

 - Raegan McGuire: 2 pts, 2 rebs